Player Updates

Ramirez will be physically able to play first base in 2018 after undergoing shoulder surgery in October, Jen McCaffrey of MassLive.com reports.

This would come into play if the Red Sox signed someone like J.D. Martinez, who would be better suited for DH, but if they sign a true first baseman like Eric Hosmer, Ramirez would get the bulk of his at-bats at DH. More important than where he plays is how he hits, as he is coming off a year where he was a below league average hitter (93 wRC+). Entering his age-34 season, it's risky to buy into a bounce back.

Ramirez is expected to be ready for the start of the 2018 season after successfully undergoing surgery on his left shoulder Tuesday, Rob Bradford of WEEI.com reports.

This is encouraging news, as it appears Ramirez's surprise shoulder surgery was a minor procedure. Shoulder issues plagued him all season -- resulting in a disappointing 2017 campaign that saw him hit an unremarkable .242/.320/.429 with 23 homers in 133 games -- so the hope is that a fully healthy Ramirez will get back on track in 2018.

Ramirez underwent surgery on his left shoulder Tuesday, according to his personal Twitter account.

Ramirez's shoulders plagued him throughout the season, but there had been no previous indication that he would undergo surgery to address the issues. The details of the procedure -- along with an accompanying timeline for his recovery -- are still unknown, though Evan Drellich of NBC Sports Boston reports the operation was considered minor.

Ramirez is out of the lineup for Game 1 of the ALDS against Houston on Thursday, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

Ramirez will retreat to the bench in favor of Eduardo Nunez, who will man the designated hitting duties against Justin Verlander and the Astros on Thursday. The 33-year-old will be available off the bench, and is set to return to the lineup at first base for Friday's contest, with southpaw Dallas Keuchel set to take the hill for Game 2 of the series.

With the Red Sox opting to use Sunday's series finale to rest many of their regular starters, Ramirez will get the day off. Christian Vazquez will fill in at the DH spot while Ramirez moves to the bench. Ramirez will head into the playoffs with a .242 batting average and .749 OPS.